Shopping around, seems like every option is doubling down on anti-user garbage… I don’t trust myself to do a root or anything like that - my tech skills are juuust good enough to be painfully aware of my own dumbassery, but I’m doubting an out-of-the-box smartphone that isn’t loaded with shit even exists.
Previously I’ve used Pixel and Galaxy, but those are both chief offenders.
Even on a years-old, out-of-service-window Pixel, GrapheneOS is worth it. I’m still using my Pixel 4a 5G and it’s functional if occasionally quirky because of the hardware’s age.
GrapheneOS has an in-browser installation utility now, so it’d be pretty easy.
Worth mentioning that GrapheneOS is going to be an out-of-the-box option for some upcoming Motorola models.